Traffic Accident Reconstruction: Roadway Defects

Atlanta Engineering performs accident reconstruction due to roadway defects, in order forensically determine the underlying cause of many traffic accidents.

Roadway defects created from lack of proper maintenance or construction create hazardous conditions that lead to accidents. Hydroplaning and run-off-the-road are only two types of accident caused by roadway defects.

Atlanta Engineering Services investigates accidents caused by highway defects. Our expertise in civil engineering, traffic accident reconstruction, hydrology and hydroplaning is used to identify these defects in grading, shoulder drop-offs, cross-slope issues, horizontal and vertical curvatures, super-elevation transitions, as well as slopes that can lead to improper drainage. In many cases, this is the cause of hydroplaning on wet roadways.

Typically, when a design or construction flaw is present, problems associated with hydroplaning, skidding, poor visibility, and other kinds of impairment often are the result.

The highway environment can contribute to a road accident in many ways, including:

Poor design or layout

Improperly marked construction work zones

Inadequate signage and traffic control devices

Poor road surface condition

Inadequate or incorrectly constructed curbs

Lack of adequate drainage

Missing guardrails and barrier walls

Worn, poorly maintained or incorrect road markings

Improper or limited sight distance

Typical Defective Roadways

Improper construction of super elevation

Improper location of catch basins

Excessive edge of pavement drop-offs

Accumulation of soil on shoulders prevent adequate drainage

Hazards obstructing visibility at dangerous intersections

Improper construction of guard rails

Ingress and egress ramps that are dangerously short or don't allow safe merging